My daughter is marrying my ex

I dated this man during our university years and later lost contact with him. When my daughter first told me about her intention to marry an older man with a similar name, I did not think much of it and was genuinely happy for her. According to our Tanzanian tradition, this man and his family sent a letter asking for her hand in marriage. We accepted him, despite him being quite a bit older, and arranged a day to discuss the dowry. On the day of the dowry, I was shocked to discover it was the same man I had dated. I have not told anyone yet, but I have been trying to make sense of it. Legally, I suppose there is nothing stopping them. I just want to confirm that this is the case. Please guide me.
JH, Arusha

This is a personal and emotionally complex situation. Based on the Law of Marriage Act, Cap. 29 R.E. 2023, which governs marriage matters, there is no legal barrier preventing your daughter from marrying your former boyfriend. The law prohibits marriages between close blood relatives and those linked by legal guardianship or affinity, such as step-parents or adoptive parents. However, a past romantic relationship between you and the man without marriage or legal parental ties is not regarded as a legal impediment. Since your daughter is an adult and the relationship appears to be consensual, the marriage is legally permissible. That said, the emotional and cultural dimensions of this situation are understandable. In Tanzanian society, family history and generational boundaries carry deep significance, and discovering that your daughter is marrying someone you were once intimately connected with can cause confusion. You are not legally obliged to disclose your past relationship, but if it continues to weigh heavily on you, it may be worthwhile to consider a private conversation with your daughter to ensure transparency. If you are uncertain about how to proceed, consulting a counsellor (not a lawyer!) might help you navigate the emotional aspects of this delicate matter. If you believe there are additional legal concerns based on anything you might not have disclosed here, you should seek further advice from your lawyer.